From Afar
A weekly column by
Sahasranshu Mahapatra, New Delhi
A news report on an alleged crime involving a lead actor of Ollywood, a debate, by many people from all walks of life, on the blogsphere and a relentless, patient effort by the editor to prove his stance– are what all this website witnessed since last one month. The story on Chandan Kar (Babu I Love You fame) has drawn 34 comments so far and perhaps many more are on the way. It might have kept this website abuzz or drawn much clicks on the pages of this site but definitely not in good taste.
It is not new for the friends and relatives to defend an accused. It is also sure for the feminists to raise voice against a dowry torture. But to my knowledge this story drew such attention because of involvement of a budding Ollywood star. Had it been about a common man, would it have raised such fierce exchange of words? Many dowry cases are being reported everyday in Orissa. How many of us are raising our voices either for the accused or for the victim?
In the due process the blog page witnessed many serious questions on media ethics, judicial system of this country, media trial, crime against the weaker sex and so on. But what all forgot is its impact on Ollywood, the industry of which the accused Chandan Kar is an integral part. Did we bother to think what will be the impact of this incident on an industry which seriously needs an image make over. What will be the impact of the newcomers those who are dreaming of a career in this show world. Perhaps these are the questions the editor of this website wanted to address, but in a very subtle manner.
It was a crisis for the Oriya film industry to find new talents. The same heroes or heroines and few actors ruled the silver screen for Oriya audience for decades. Be it Gaur Prasad Ghosh, Babida, Prashant Nanda, Bijaya Mohanty, Uttam Mohanty, Sriram Panda, and Mihir Das as the protagonists or Dukhiram Swain, Hara Patnaik, Rai Mohan, Ashru Mochan as the baddies- the Oriya audience were habituated with these few faces on the silver screens. Some of them are still ruling the space in the world of light and shades. Thanks to the television boom that paved the way for young talents to make it big in the Oriya filmdom. In late 1990s some young talents slowly made their entry into this highly closed world of film making. The result is quite visible with the emergence of Siddhant, Sritam, Pintu Nanda, Abubhav as heroes and Mama, Ushashi, Anu, Jyoti, Barsa as heroines and many other young talents.
Unlike Bollywood or South Indian film industry the crime involving film personalities is hardly heard in Orissa. The lone incidents of such stature must not rattle the future of the budding artists. If such debates goes on then definitely the newcomers would seriously contemplate on their every move before entering to Ollywood. The worst fear is that the largely conservative Oriya society may take a negative note of such incidents which in turn might bring bitter experiences in the social life of the budding artists. The same week there was news on the website of a crime involving Siddhant, the most celebrated hero of the present Ollywood. There was not a single word on Siddhant’s traffic rule violation. But did Chandan’s story have this attention because of it was a case of dowry harassment.
Chandan may be released tomorrow free from all charges. He may settle well with his wife forgetting all past and finally he may become the demigod of silver screen for Oriya audience. Nobody can rule out any possibility.
Folks! Before jumping into any conclusion or any such debates we must not forget that it’s the Ollywood image what matters above all.
We love to cherish the bygone days of Orissa Cinema. But we equally look forward to relish everything thats happening right now in our film community. What are the new Oriya film and television releases? Who is going to emerge winner at our box offices? When will Rajja and Dussahara be declared Oriya Film Festivals? Who did you notice on your latest visit to Keshari Talkies? Find out all about it right here. At Orissa Cinema!